Councillor Dodd was also quick to praise Longton Community Partnership for the group’s efforts in arranging the event. She said: “I helped the youngsters to switch on the lights and I’m happy that there was a really good turn out. I’m pleased for Longton and the Longton Community Partnership for the hard work that they do all year round and their hard work setting up this event.

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After the switch-on there were a number of children’s activities including face painting, balloon modelling, ‘design your own stocking’, a disco and a Santa’s grotto in Longton Central Hall.

There were also hot drinks and mince pies to keep the parents happy. Samantha Poole from Bentilee says she comes to the town’s festival celebration every year with her five-year-old son Alex Bennett.

Stilt walkers with six-year-old Lia Zan from Longton lighting up the town in Longton

The 27-year-old said: “It’s brilliant and it gets better every time. There’s a lot more happening this year, it’s the first time we’ve had the land train and the police mascot here which has made it extra special.

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Christmas in North Staffordshire

“Alex was second in the queue for the land train and he got to ride it with Santa and even a police escort. He loved seeing Santa and they made friends.

“I like that they’ve got the stocking making this year and lots of new characters for the children to meet like the elves on stilts. I’ll be back again next year, it’s great because the kids can do all the activities.”